Subtract 2/9 from 42/84
42/84 - 2/9 is 5/18.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 9 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
42/84 = 42 × 3/84 × 3 = 126/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 28 = 252,
2/9 = 2 × 28/9 × 28 = 56/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/252 - 56/252 = 126 - 56/252 = 70/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 5/18
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/84-4/9 42/84-2/18 42/84-6/9 42/84-2/27 42/84-10/9 42/84-2/45 42/84-14/9 42/84-2/63